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How to convert 3ds to .iges, .stp

Hi! I have downloaded this free copy of a Doge Ram truck from the web which is in 3ds format! Does anyone know how I can export or save this file as an imported file for Autodesk inventor! I have tried using 3ds Max 2009 to do this but even though it says to export to .iges, when I select all objects it says 51 objects selected. I hit enter & then nothing happens except for xlo error messages!
I have uploaded the xlo file as an attachement. Any ideas! I'm not trained 3ds user!
TIA!
Paul

Re: How to convert 3ds to .iges, .stp

Iges or Step files are one of the more popular import formats for Inventor, however if I could get that to export from autocad in .sat format that would work also. But I've tried that with no success. Surely there must be some kind of interpreting software that could convert such a popular format! But maybe not. I've tried just about everything. Just seems to be no way that this 3ds surface can be exported as a solid model!
Thanks!
Paul

Re: How to convert 3ds to .iges, .stp

Can you import .stl? If so, you can install 3D Exploration 1.71 (available here), which has the ability to export .3ds (as well as a bunch of other formats) to.stl. It gives you a fully-functional 30-day trial, so you can test it yourself. I've seen a few other importers, but I don't the limitations.

Re: How to convert 3ds to .iges, .stp

From what I've read on Autdesk discussion groups stl's are really difficult to convert to any file format. They don't convert to solids very well! Can't seem to win with this one. I'll probably have to take a try at modelling this dodge 1 ton truck myself! Thanks for the feedback!
Paul